Upcoming Albums (And Speculated Albums) To Be Excited About
This week, let’s take a step back from what’s out, from award season and from things you can buy right now and look towards the future.
“What about the future?”, you may ask. Well, let me tell you, curious reader! As we have begun the 2024th year of the Common Era, there have already been plenty of new releases, rising stars, and awards but that is only just the beginning! So, with that said, let’s look at the road ahead and a few things that we know about, plus a few that we anticipate:
Beyonce- Renaissance Act II (CONFIRMED)
Thirty-two-time Grammy winner, Queen Bey herself Beyonce has announced her new album, Renaissance Act II, a sequel probably to her suspiciously similarly titled 2022 album Renaissance, she dropped the first two singles during the 58th annual Super Bowl last weekend. The two songs stylised in all caps titled TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and 16 CARRIAGES. We aren’t quite sure why she’s shouting but we are sure that there’s a recurring theme here as is supported by the cover images of her sporting a Gladys Tamez-designed ten-gallon hat. The album will be country-themed and inspired by growing up in Texas and American history, specifically the “overlooked history of the American Black cowboy.” On her Instagram, she promised that Act II would drop on March 29th.
Harry Styles- New Album (UNCONFIRMED)
Harry Styles is a busy man, as he stated in 2022, “I’m always writing [music].” Additionally, he stated during a show in New Zealand in 2023, he joked “We’re almost at the end of the fruit bowl,” seemingly a reference to his usage of fruit terms throughout his career (Watermelon Sugar, Kiwi, Grape juice). We eagerly await some information on which direction Harry Styles will go in next!
Taylor Swift- The Tortured Poets Department (CONFIRMED)
The fourteen-time Grammy-winning Queen Tay (I don’t think anybody calls her that) Taylor Swift is currently on tour showcasing music from her entire ten-album discography. Appropriately dubbed The Eras Tour, it is the highest-grossing tour of all time. Between traveling the world and becoming the first artist to win Best Album four times, Swift was secretly working on a new album behind our backs! The cheeky minx! Announcing the album’s existence during her acceptance speech at the 2024 Grammys, she revealed that she had been working on it for the past two years. Had she not won the Grammy, she has said that she would’ve announced the album on the first night of the international dates of her Era’s tour in Tokyo, Japan. Titled The Tortured Poets Department, her eleventh studio album consists of sixteen tracks with features from Post Malone and Florence and the Machine. It is set for release on April 19th!
Elton John- New Album (CONFIRMED?)
When it comes to musical icons that transcend eras, it would not only be difficult but also just plain wrong to leave Sir Elton John out of that conversation. The 76-year-old is responsible for some of the most iconic music of all-time spanning from the radio to cinema, and he recently ended his last-ever tour. He stated the he was looking forward to spending more quality time with his husband and their two sons, and whilst the desire to be as busy as he has been for the last 5 decades, a musical insider has commented "It’s all been very top secret but Elton is back in the studio working on a new album.” Commenting further that “Time frames are always movable, but the fourth quarter has been pencilled in terms of a release date,” meaning that we could be getting new music from the megastar this year!
The Libertines- All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade (CONFIRMED)
The Libertines are returning this year for the first time in almost a decade with their fourth studio album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade. Co-frontman Pete Doherty revealed that the band "really came together" and found a "moment of rare peace” when speaking of composing the album. He further commented that all the band members were "in the same place, at the same speed" and connected for once,” with all of them sharing songwriting credits on each of the eleven tracks. It'll be out on March 29th.
Billie Eilish- New Album (UNCONFIRMED)
One artist who is due an album is Billie Eilish. She might not know what she was made for, but her Grammy for Song of the Year for the Barbie soundtrack suggests that she was made to make music! For having not released an album since 2021’s Happier Than Ever, Eilish has had an incredible year. We do know that she’s working on her third album, having stated that it’s in the “final stages” but followed by saying that it “doesn’t mean it’s about to come out.” As of now, we have no confirmed or even proposed release date or any details past what we’ve told you here. We will though be sure to update you with any significant news as soon as we get it!
Rihanna- New Album (UNCONFIRMED)
Rihanna hasn’t dropped an album since 2016. 2016! The “Umbrella” singer remains one of the biggest names in the industry despite not having released new material in almost a decade. She has, as recently as 2023, teased new music after headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, noting that she has a year’s worth of songs that she’s “fallen in and out of love with.” We’re eagerly awaiting the time she eventually decides to share what she’s been working on or share none of it, and hit us with something else entirely.
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